SHH Party Down closes out summer right

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, the summer season has, socially speaking, come to an end. Sag Harbor Hills brought the season to an end in the same manner they have become famous for, with the SHH Party Down party. Even those who weren't out for the season make it their business to attend this event.

Among all of the parties, gatherings and kiss-kiss goodbyes up on Martha's Vineyard, islanders took a solemn moment to give an official goodbye salute to dear friend Bill Freeman, as his ashes were committed to the wind. It was most fitting, as out of all the places in the world Bill had traveled, the Vineyard was where his heart was. And now so lies his soul.

Gearing up for September events is the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch, which will host its annual luncheon Sept. 17. This year will mark the 10th annual Freedom Fund Luncheon at the fabulous Marina Del Rey, where the food is so plentiful you can make a meal just off of the appetizers.

Cocktail hour is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., open bar is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and music will be provided by the Warren Daniels Band. For ticket information, call the branch at (212) 749-2323.

After you leave there, go home, take a nap then rise and shine for the first annual Midnight Cruise aboard the Golden Sunshine. Leaving from Pier 2 in Sheepshead Bay, boarding time is the bewitching hour of midnight. Return time is 4 a.m. Of course, there will be food, fun and entertainment. Round-trip transport buses leave from the Bronx, Harlem and Brooklyn at 10 p.m., so no details have been left undone. Call Barbara Boone for this one at (718) 496-4897.

On Sept. 22, West Harlem Group Assistance will host a 40th anniversary celebration at Aaron Davis Hall from 6 to 9 p.m. The honorary chair is the Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III and the event chair is Maurice Coleman. This year's honoree for the leadership award is Len Burnett, co-CEO and group publisher, Uptown Media and Vibe Lifestyle Network. For more information, visit www.whgainc.org or call (212) 862-1399.